A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall. And, as the days passed swiftly by, its branches spread straight and tall ….

One day a beam of light shone through … a crevice that had opened wide.

It beckoned to the rose, who bent gently toward its warmth, and then passed to the other side.

Now all of you who so keenly feel its loss, be comforted — the rose now blooms there. Its beauty even greater now, nurtured by God’s own loving care.

WE LOVE YOU MATTHEW